Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The value of sterling is very low at the moment, as is that of the dollar. It is important that we have something in reserve. Article 50 was triggered today and there is a great deal of uncertainty about what is going to happen. As the Minister said earlier, this will be a tough year for the tourism industry. Given this year and the next two or three years will be very tough years for the industry, are plans in place to assist it? It is anticipated that Brexit will take two years. If we are to retain our current tourism levels into the future, we will need to sow seeds in that regard now. Leaving the budgets for this year at the same level as last year will not help the industry. I ask that the Minister consider increasing the budgets of the organisations operating in this area.